Personalidade!: Crystal Palace restaurant is home from home for Brazilian athletes

The Summer Olympic games have brought Brazil and Britain closer together in many unexpected ways. And with Rio 2016 already on the horizon, local pub owners Mariana and Marcos Camarotte, the games have given them the opportunity to ‘set the table’ for Brazil’s athletes in London.

Brazilian restaurant owners Mariana and Marcos Camarotte were delighted when they found out their country’s national team would be making their Olympic base in their neighbourhood.

Since learning that they would be training at Crystal Palace’s National Sports Centre, the husband and wife team have been busy planning how to welcome the athletes to their area, and to Braziliana, in Westow Hill.

“How cool is it that we happen to be in the right place at the right time especially when you think that the last time the Olympics was held in the UK was in 1948,” Mariana said.

“For us as Brazilian bistro owners it is serendipitous and we see it as a unique opportunity to serve and support our athletes and the same time introducing to the locals a little bit more about our culture and cuisine.”

Mariana and Marcos, who have two young children, redecorated the restaurant for the Olympics and created a new evening menu for the celebrations.

They are thrilled that the athletes accepted their invitation and have been dining at the restaurant since arriving at the end of last month.

Mariana and Marcos, married for 14 years, are originally from Sao Paulo but have lived in Crystal Palace for 10 years.

Mariana explained: “We just wanted people to experience what we know to be great food, home cooked and served up in a warm friendly environment.

“We love the area for its variety and strong sense of community. Crystal Palace is the perfect locality to have a welcoming ethnic restaurant and cafe.” | more |